fifth goal of the game. Tipperary fought back, however, goals from Seán McLoughlin and Michael "Babs" Keating weren't enough to halt one of the greatest comebacks in the history of the championship, as Wexford secured a 5-8 to 3-12 victory. 1997-2001: Tipperary dominance After an absence of almost thirty years Tipperary and Wexford renewed their rivalry on 17 August 1997 in their very first All-Ireland semi-final meeting. Wexford were the reigning champions while Tipperary were reaping the benefits of the new "back door system" as defeated provincial finalists. Goals were key as Wexford's renaissance was brought to a premature end following a 2-16 to 0-15 victory for Tipperary. On 12 August 2001 Wexford were reaping the benefits of the "back door" when they faced Munster champions Tipperary in the All-Ireland semi-final. The opening stages of the game were fiercely fought, with the teams exchanging points to leave the score at 0-5 apiece after twenty-two minutes. Subsequent points from Mark O'Leary and Eoin Kelly put daylight between the two sides while a John Carroll goal helped Tipperary to a 1-9 to 0-5 interval lead. On the restart Tipperary soon extended the lead by 1-12 to 0-6 before Wexford pegged a goal back from Larry O'Gorman. A mix-up in the Tipperary defence let Rory McCarthy in for a second Wexford goal to leave the game finely poised at 1-13 to 2-6. With the score standing at 1-16 to 2-8 with only five minutes to go, it looked like favourites Tipperary had weathered the Wexford storm, however, Larry O'Gorman goaled again to leave just two points separating the teams. An Adrian Fenlon point a minute later ensured a frantic finale as the match entered added time. Wexford, however, were not to be denied a second attempt as a Mitch Jordan point in the 73rd minute ensured a remarkable draw. The replay six days later on 18 August 2001 was played in atrocious conditions. Both teams struggled to deal with the wet and windy conditions but John Carroll broke the deadlock for Tipperary in the ninth minute by powerfully bursting through and kicking past Wexford 'keeper Damien Fitzhenry for a goal. Tipperary went six points ahead, however, Wexford then scored five points without reply from Paul Codd, Mitch Jordan and Larry Murphy, to bring the Slaneysiders to within a point. A series of physical tussles led to Tipperary's Brian O'Meara and Wexford's Liam Dunne